The five Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden – jointly have a population of 27 million people, and the region constitutes the 12^th largest economy in the world.

While no less than nine official languages exist in the region as well as a variety of cultural differences, the Nordic countries nevertheless share a core set of values. When international connectivity for the research and education community is the topic, indispensable Nordic values will always be transparency, fairness, and protection of privacy.

With the establishment of NORDUnet in 1985, the five Nordic countries became able to advocate these values with one voice in a range of key international forums. Later, in 1993, NORDUnet became a limited company, adding further to its ability to commit internationally to joint projects.